Qualitative Communication Research Methods

TLDR: This book discusses the history of Qualitative Communication Research, the role of data analysis and interpretation in communication research, and some of the techniques used to design and use interview techniques.

Abstract: Preface Acknowledgments 1. Introduction to Qualitative Communication Research Introduction: Working With (and Studying) Cops Four Paradigms and (Maybe) a Funeral: A Brief History of Qualitative Communication Research Feeling Corporate, Going Global: Two Trends in Qualitative Communication Research Looking Closer: The Conduct of Qualitative Research in Communication Conclusion 2. Theoretical Traditions and Qualitative Communication Research Qualitative Research and Communication Theory The Phenomenological Tradition The Sociocultural Tradition The Critical Tradition Conclusion 3. Design I: Planning Research Projects Introduction "My City, My Society, and My Life": Renee's Story Sources of Research Ideas Moving Toward a Commitment Evaluating the Scene Conclusion 4. Design II: Implementing Research Projects Introduction Negotiating Access Exploratory Methods Sampling Human Subject Protections The Research Proposal Conclusion Exercises 5. Producing Data I: Participating, Observing, and Recording Social Action Introduction: Fieldwork, Ethnography, and Participant Observation Successful Participant Observation Adapting Roles Tactical Observing Writing Fieldnotes New Media and Participant Observation Conclusion Exercises 6. Producing Data II: Qualitative Interviewing Introduction Purposes of the Qualitative Interview Types of Interviews in Communication Research The Practices of Interviewing Question Design and Use Transcribing Interviews Conclusion Exercises 7. Producing Data III: Analyzing Material Culture and Documents Introduction Material Culture Documents Conclusion Exercises 8. Sensemaking: Qualitative Data Analysis and Interpretation Introduction Qualitative Data Analysis Tools for Analysis Interpretation Evaluating Interpretations Conclusion Exercises 9. Writing, Authoring, and Publishing Introduction: Going Public The Crisis of Representation After the Fall: Reading and Writing Qualitative Research Institutional Contexts of Qualitative Writing The Craft of Qualitative Writing: Three Types of Format and Their Related Strategies Some Final Thoughts on Writing Exercises Epilogue References Author Index Subject Index About the Authors